了解声带病变

13 October 2026

Losing your voice after cheering at a concert, speaking for long hours or recovering from a cold is relatively common. In most cases, your voice gradually returns with adequate rest. However, persistent hoarseness or recurring voice changes may indicate an underlying problem affecting your vocal cords.

Vocal cord lesions are one possible cause. While many are benign, they can affect how clearly and comfortably you speak.

In this article, Dr Rahmat Bin Omar, Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgeon & Laryngologist, explains why we lose our voice, common vocal cord lesions and the treatment options available.

Why Do You Lose Your Voice?

Your vocal cords are located within the voice box, or larynx. When you speak, air from your lungs passes through the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate and produce sound.

Dr Rahmat explains that when the vocal cords become swollen, irritated or develop a lesion, they may not vibrate or close normally, resulting in a hoarse, weak, breathy or strained voice.

Temporary voice changes can occur due to infections, irritation or overuse of your voice. However, persistent problems may sometimes be associated with structural changes to the vocal cords.

What Are Vocal Cord Lesions?

Vocal cord lesions are abnormal areas that develop on or within the vocal cords. 

Common types include:

• Vocal Cord Nodules
  These usually develop on both vocal cords and are commonly associated with repeated or excessive voice use.
• Vocal Cord Polyps
  These typically occur on one vocal cord and may develop following vocal strain or irritation.
• Vocal Cord Cysts
  These are fluid-filled or semi-solid lesions that form within the vocal cord and can interfere with normal vibration.

While many vocal cord lesions are benign, some changes may require closer assessment. Dr Rahmat explains that conditions such as leukoplakia and erythroplakia may be associated with precancerous changes and require appropriate assessment and monitoring. Risk factors for laryngeal cancer include chronic smoking, alcohol consumption and HPV infection.

Dr Rahmat shares that although these conditions may cause similar symptoms, treatment can differ depending on the type of lesion. An accurate diagnosis is therefore important to determine appropriate management.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type, size and location of the lesion. One of the key signs to look out for is hoarseness that lasts for more than two weeks, particularly when your voice does not return to normal.

Other symptoms may include:

• Persistent or recurring hoarseness 
• A rough, breathy or muffled voice 
• Voice fatigue after prolonged speaking 
• Frequent throat clearing 
• Persistent throat irritation or discomfort 
• A sensation of a lump in the throat 
• Unexplained coughing 

Dr Rahmat shares that food itself does not directly cause voice changes. However, acid reflux may lead to reflux laryngitis, which can irritate the throat and vocal cords and contribute to voice symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

Dr Rahmat explains that common contributing factors include:

• Voice overuse or misuse such as screaming or prolonged speaking without enough rest 
• Frequent throat clearing or coughing 
• Acid reflux that causes repeated throat irritation 
• Not drinking enough water
• Excessive caffeine intake 

Repeated irritation or injury to the vocal cords can affect the delicate tissue on their surface, potentially leading to the development of benign lesions.

“People who rely heavily on their voices, such as teachers, singers, sales professionals and public speakers, may be at greater risk, particularly if they frequently strain their voices without sufficient rest,” Dr Rahmat explains.

How Are Vocal Cord Lesions Diagnosed?

If your voice does not return to normal, an ENT specialist can examine your vocal cords to determine the underlying cause.

Dr Rahmat explains that several examinations may be used, including:

• Transoral laryngoscopy – examines the voice box through the mouth 
• Transnasal flexible laryngoscopy – uses a flexible scope passed through the nose to view the voice box 
• Video laryngeal stroboscopy – provides a more detailed assessment of how the vocal cords vibrate during speech, helping the specialist identify abnormalities that may not be apparent during a routine examination.

Treatment Options for Vocal Cord Lesions

Dr Rahmat says that treatment depends on the type and severity of the lesion, your symptoms and how significantly it affects your everyday communication. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Voice rest and hydration to reduce irritation and support recovery 
• Managing underlying conditions such as acid reflux or allergies 
• Voice therapy to improve voice use and reduce excessive strain on the vocal cords 
• Vocal cord surgery, which may be considered for certain persistent polyps, cysts or other lesions when other treatments are insufficient

“The goal of surgery is to remove or treat the lesion while preserving as much healthy vocal cord tissue and normal voice function as possible,” he says.

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Recovery time varies depending on the cause and treatment required. Dr Rahmat says minor inflammation or voice strain may improve within days, while recovery from a persistent lesion may take longer.

Following treatment, you may be advised to limit voice use temporarily before gradually returning to normal speaking. Voice therapy may also be recommended as part of the recovery process, particularly for those who rely heavily on their voices for work or performance.

Dr Rahmat stresses that following your doctor's advice and practising good vocal hygiene can help support healing and reduce the risk of vocal cord lesions recurring.

When Should You See an ENT Specialist?

Your voice plays an important role in everyday communication, and persistent changes should not be overlooked. Simple habits such as staying well hydrated, taking regular voice breaks, avoiding excessive shouting or over-projecting your voice and managing acid reflux can help protect your vocal cords.

If your hoarseness or voice change lasts for more than two weeks, keeps returning or affects your work and daily activities, schedule an appointment with Dr Rahmat for an assessment to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.